Mapmaker: Background & Foreground

Last updated: June 4, 2026

The Map of your Space is essentially a sandwich: the bottom bread is the background, the middle layer is the characters and objects, and the top bread is the foreground. 

When you create your Space using one of our templates, we have already created the background (and possibly a foreground) for you. In the Mapmaker, you can upload your own background and foreground, or download the existing background or foreground.

To manage the Background & Foreground:

  1. Open the Mapmaker

  2. Select the hamburger menu in the top left

  3. Select Background & Foreground 

Upload Background

From the Background & Foreground menu, select Upload Background.

Background Requirements:

  • Image should be no larger than 3200 x 3200 px

  • Maximum file size is 3 MB

Double-check that you are not uploading foregrounds into the background location. This can create black screens and loading issues.

Upload Foreground

From the Background & Foreground menu, select Upload Foreground.

Foreground Requirements:

  • Image should be no larger than 3200 x 3200 px

  • Maximum file size is 3 MB

When you upload a foreground and view it in the Mapmaker, it will look like you can place objects on top of it. This is not the case. When you Save and go back into the space, the foreground will be the top-most layer.

Download Background or Foreground

This is helpful if you want to edit the image in a third-party image editing app, share your background with a mapmaking community, or get a backup copy.

To download a background or foreground, select Download Background or Download Foreground.

The downloaded image will open in a new tab. Right-click to save the image to your device.

Note: Designing your own background or foreground? Check out our Map Design Best Practices articles.

To submit a bug report or share feedback:

  1. Open the Main Menu and select ‘Report issue / bug’

  2. Or email support@gather.town